San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Lucy Cooper’s taking ice house attitude up I-35
Lucy Cooper’s Ice House, a popular San Antonio 21-and-older bar and restaurant, will open a location in New Braunfels.
Owners Braunda and Jesse Smith told the Express-News on Monday that the second Lucy Cooper’s is expected to open in July at 1515 Kuehler Ave. on the banks of the Guadalupe River.
The Smiths said that the new location, a former Hoffbrau restaurant and bar, will replicate the San Antonio establishment.
“It will be like taking a copy machine and moving the plans to another location,” Braunda
Smith said. “We will have the same look, the same menu, and there will be 30 beers on tap. We want to bring that Lucy’s attitude north. As independent business owners, we are going all in, like you do at the poker table.”
The business opened in 2018 and found success with unique menu items, including clothesline bacon and tin can nachos, as well as a large variety of pizzas, burgers and chicken wings. In a 2019 review, Express-News dining critic Mike Sutter called it the best bar food in San Antonio.
On the drinks side, a huge selection of beer served in mason jars, large-batch cocktails and whatever shot your heart desires are available to wet your whistle.
The new Lucy Coopers will occupy nearly 8,200 square feet and has direct access to the Guadalupe River for tubers. At launch, there won’t be a way for tubers to tie down to get food or drinks, but Jesse Smith said that will change next year.
“We’re going to build river access and put in a floating dock system for beer to go,” Smith said.
The New Braunfels location is outfitted with 42 TVs, and Smith said it will carry the NFL Ticket, as well as other major sports packages.
Business hours and other details are still in development, but you can get a taste of things to come at the original North Side location.